Christmas traditions – funny things, aren’t they? What comes first in your house, presents or the Christmas dinner? Do you have stockings or sacks? And hands up if your whole family wear matching Christmas pyjamas on Christmas Day? Oh – that last one’s just us then…
Bet nopietni runājot, Ziemassvētku tradīcijas atšķiras ne tikai dažādās mājsaimniecībās, bet tās ievērojami atšķiras arī dažādās kultūrās.
Below are a handful of Christmas traditions from around the world – we’re looking at adopting some of these for ourselves!
Runājoši mājdzīvnieki Polijā
For the Polish, Christmas Eve is the big day! Known as ‘Wigilia’ – which means to ‘wait’ – the day is spent preparing a twelve course feast (yes, twelve courses!). At the start of supper, a thin type of wafer – called an ‘oplatek’ – is shared by the whole family, starting with the head of the household. Even the pets get a nibble, as legend has it that the wafer’s magical powers allow the animals to speak in human tongues!
Svētku fakts: Vigilijas svinības nevar sākties, kamēr nakts debesīs neparādās pirmā zvaigzne!
Saldumu piegāde Indijā
Instead of giving presents on the big day, Indians hand-deliver sweet treats! Traditionally called ‘kuswar’, these tasty culinary creations include fruitcakes, cookies and sweet dumplings that are given to friends, family and neighbours on Christmas Day, along with some Christmas cheer. Think Deliveroo – but with delicious Indian Christmas pārtika!
Svētku fakts: Sniegs Indijā ir mazliet grūti pieejams, tāpēc bērni izmanto vati, lai radītu ziemas ilūziju!
Piepildiet savus zābakus Rumānijā
Christmas comes early to little ones in Romania, where they celebrate St Nicholas (‘Sfantul Nicolae’) on the 6th December. The night before, Romanian kids clean their boots, place them at the door or window and wait for St Nicholas to fill them up – which of course, depends on whether you’ve been naughty or nice!
Svētku fakts: Rumāņu Ziemassvētku dziesmas ir kas vairāk nekā tikai vienkārša svētku melodija, tā ir vesela teatralizēta izrāde, tostarp īpašs svētku tērps!
Kentuki cepti Ziemassvētki Japānā
As IF we needed any more convincing to visit Japan… A relatively new tradition – where Christmas isn’t that widely celebrated – Christmas Day involves gathering around the table with your nearest and dearest and diving into a share-sized bucket of deep-fried chicken.
Svētku fakts: KFC Japan even produce their very own festive menu especially for the Christmas period – yum!
Noslaucīt Norvēģijā
Norwegian Harry Potter fans hoping for a game of Quidditch at Christmas will be rather disappointed – as the whole nation hides their brooms! It’s a centuries-old tradition that dates back to when people believed that evil spirits came out on Christmas Eve and would steal people’s brooms to ride on.
Svētku fakts: Norvēģija katru gadu Apvienotās Karalistes iedzīvotājiem dāvina milzīgu Ziemassvētku egli. Katru gadu to var apskatīt Trafalgaras laukumā Londonā!
Ziemassvētki ir laiks, kad tiekamies ar draugiem un ģimeni - tuvu un tālu. Tāpēc Lebara elfi ir gatavojuši īpašu dāvanu jums, mīļie klienti, - bezmaksas zvanus Ziemassvētku dienā! Vairāk lasiet šeit: https://mobile.lebara.com/gb/en/christmas